In 1906, a German doctor named Alzheimer noticed abnormal clumps and tangled bundles of fibers in the brain tissue of a woman who had died of an unusual mental illness. Today nearly 4 million Americans have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and as our population ages that number is expected to rise dramatically. And there's still no cure or treatment to forestall onset of the disease.

The disease poses many challenges and can exact a huge toll on its victims and on the people who love and care for them, both emotionally and financially. Although many things about Alzheimer's remain a mystery, research is offering a better understanding of the disease, more accurate diagnoses, and more effective treatments.

Experts featured on NEW YORK VOICES HEALTH: ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE include: